

Best for beginner divers, 0-25m, shore entry, moderate current.
The Swan River in Cottesloe provides an urban diving experience featuring wrecks, walls, and muck diving environments. Divers can access the site from the shore, with depths ranging from 0 to 25 metres and an average of 8 metres. Tidal flow creates moderate currents, which can become strong during full and new moons. Visibility is variable, ranging from 0 to 10 metres, and is influenced by rainfall and tides. The river is a working waterway with significant boat traffic, making a dive flag essential. Hazards include potential entanglement, sharp edges on wrecks, and bull sharks. Parking is available at entry points, and night diving is permitted.
-32.02108, 115.78253
Visibility and current are closely tied to recent rainfall and tides, so aim for a high slack tide on a dry spell for the clearest water. The best months run through autumn and spring, when conditions tend to settle.
The easiest shore entry is from Jelanup Beach (also known as Palm Tree Beach) located at the end of Kent Street on Blackwall Reach Parade, Bicton. There is a car park and a grassy area for gearing up. It is approximately a 200m surface swim to the main barge site.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 25m
Visibility
0-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
19-23°C
Current
Moderate
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, though divers must be aware of tidal currents and boat traffic.
Depths range from 0 to 25 metres, with an average depth of 8 metres.
This is a shore dive with entry points located near parking areas.
The best months to dive are March, April, May, September, October, and November, when conditions are generally more settled.
Divers should watch for boat traffic, strong currents, entanglement risks, and sharp edges on wrecks. Bull sharks are also occasionally sighted in the river.
Diving at Swan River in Perth requires the following certifications: Open Water, Advanced. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Swan River in Perth. Water temperatures range from 19°C to 23°C.
Expect moderate currents at Swan River in Perth. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Swan River in Perth can reach up to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.